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The Valley Press

Obituary Notices and Memorials

DUKE, Norm
DUKE, Norm Was born January 26, 1927, in Carthage, Missouri. Norm married the love of his life Pat in May 1948. Norm passed away on November 14, 2012, at 12:10 p.m., with his sons, niece and grandchildren by his side. Norm is best known for his company called 'Lancaster Tire' that opened in 1953. A simple company that introduced Norm to the community he would later love and serve. Norm was a family man. As a father Norm set a high standard, that few could match. He always had time for his sons as well as his niece Donna who grew up next door and was more of a daughter than anything else. He instilled a high work ethic and moral standards that were never subject to adjustment or interpretation. 'Be forthright and honest, it's just the right thing to do.' A simple sentence with little room for explanation. Norm would give 100% in everything he did. Norm did not believe a half-assumed job (Norm would never use the word 'assumed.' He would have used the first three letters in the word assume.) Norm believed that children, just like work, must be given 100% of your love and attention. As a parent his actions were to instill a sense of fairness and character to his children and later with his grand and great-grandchildren. Through that philosophy, his children, grandchildren and great-grand- children life live honestly and follow in the footsteps of their 'papa.' Outside of home, Norm was as unique a business man as he was a parent. For years, he was 'The Tire Man.' He gave credit to small start up companies that would really have no credit history or other ways to validate a transaction. But Norm had faith in people, and very rarely did someone not follow through. In reality, many of his business transactions were more of a charitable act, not necessarily a business transaction. Individuals that 'just needed a hand' or young people that needed a few dollars to start their ccompany; Norm was there. His faith allowed some people to get by in their time of need and others to start a business they just knew they could make successful. Norm would buy you lunch, he would buy you a drink. He would like you, from the very first time he met you. Norm was likeable because he simply liked everyone he met. Truth is, how could anyone not like a person who gave you friendship and kindness when just meeting you? And, the best part is, it would take a lot for him to ever change his view. Norm loved his church and everyone in the congregation. Norm is an old and dear friend to Lutheran Church of the Master. Norm made a lasting impression on everyone he met, smiled at or helped. It was easy for Norm to get to know you because it was easy to get to know him. He was comfortable in allowing a conversation to start through others because he enjoyed the stories others would share. He would inspire his friends, old and new, to talk about their happiness and success. And, if he felt the need to add to a conversation, it would usually be around his own children, or-his favorite topic-his grandchildren or great-grandchildren. These stories Norm shared of his family were enjoyed by everyone who met him because after only a few meetings or smiles, they felt that they were a part of his family as well. I don't believe a single person could have more adopted children, grandchildren or great- grandchildren than Norm Duke. To the untrained eye, Norm appeared to be just an average guy. As common as a glass of tap water some might say. However, for those that got to know him, he was unique and maybe even ahead of his time. Norm was an entrepreneur, long before it became fashionable. A unique man that could be seen as sweet, exceptional and kind. As well as a man who was as tough as nails; with enough strength to swing a sledge hammer day after day at his tire shop. Norm was one of a kind, and you only had to meet him once to know that. Norm Duke was born January 26 in Carthage Missouri in the year 1927. He grew up in Long Beach California, with his two brothers and two sisters. Norm was a veteran he joined the army toward the end of World War II. Norm married the love of his life Miss. Ivalea Patricia (Pat) Boyd almost 65 years ago. The two were together in heart and in soul from the moment they first met. They settled in the Antelope Valley in 1953, where he and his wife raised their family. Norm is survived by his wife Pat whom he enjoyed 65 years of marriage. Norm leaves two sons and daughter-in-laws; Jeff and Cathy Duke and Jay and Deborah Duke. Donna Frasier, his adopted son Bob Weldon and his grandchildren; Amy, Dylan, Kelly, Tiffany, Ray, Ryan, Jenni, Brandon and Mariana. Norm's 'more than great' great-grandchildren include Ashlie, Christopher, Alexandria, Autumn, Ian, Isabella and Madison. A Memorial will take place at 1 p.m., Tuesday, November 20, 2012, at Lutheran Church of the Master 725 East Avenue J, Lancaster California. A reception will follow at 2 p.m., at the Elks Lodge in Lancaster at 240 East Avenue K. Arrangements entrusted to Halley Olsen Murphy, Lancaster. www.homlancaster.com